Portable light and charging device therefor

ABSTRACT

A portable light and charging device therefor. The portable light includes a light head that is pivotable relative to a light body and that has a projection, wherein the light body has a latch ring that can engage the projection to retain the light head in a stowed position and can be stowed. The charging device defines a receptacle for receiving the portable light and has a pair of latch arms that pivot to permit the portable light to be placed into and removed from the receptacle and that are biased to retain the portable light in the receptacle.

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/554,297 entitled “PORTABLE LIGHT AND CHARGING DEVICETHEREFOR” which was filed on Sep. 25, 2017, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a portable light and/or to a chargingdevice, in particular, to a portable light and/or a charging devicehaving compatible interfaces whereby the portable light may be placedinto the charging device for being charged and may be removed therefromfor use.

Portable lights are employed in many fields and environments in whichthe ability of a light to meet a particular need is limited because thelight is either in a fixed configuration or the light includes movableparts that are not movable to a desired position or positions. Manydifferent approaches have been utilized, such a having the light sourcesupported on a pivoted structure or at the end of a flexible and/orbendable stalk. Often, what is gained in position-ability of the lightsource may be counter balanced by reduced robustness and/or durability.

These issues can be more challenging in relation to larger and higherpower lights, in particular those lights that may be employed underdifficult and/or hazardous environments, such as may be experienced byfire fighters and other first responders.

It is also desirable that portable lights used by fire fighters andother first responders also be ready for use at a moment's notice, andso these lights typically include a rechargeable battery. A charger, orcommonly a bank of chargers, may be mounted in a convenient location,such as on a wall at a fire station or other first responder facility,or on a wall or bulkhead or panel of a vehicle used by fire fighters andother first responders, where the rechargeable portable lights may beplaced into the chargers for recharging following use, for maintaining afully charged and ready state, and for being quickly and easily removedwhen needed.

Moreover, fire fighters and other first responders often are wearingspecialized and/or protective clothing, including gloves, and so theirportable lights should be easily placeable into and removable from thechargers in a manner that does not require precision placement andmotions, which may be difficult to execute while wearing protectivegear.

Applicant believes that the foregoing may be addressed by a portablelight that has a pivotable light source that can be pivoted over a largerange of angles relative to a body of the light.

Applicant also believes that a charger configured to receive theportable light when inserted therein over a range of angles and torelease the portable light when it is removed therefrom over a range ofangles would also address such needs.

Applicant believes there may be a need for a portable light and chargerthat together are configured to provide the foregoing features includingmovability of a light source over a range of angles and the insertion ofthe portable light into and its removal from the charger over a range ofangles.

Accordingly, a portable light may comprise: a light body having a handleand a base for receiving a source of electrical power; a light headincluding a light source energizable for producing light, the light headbeing pivotably mounted to the light body and having a projection; aswitch actuatable for energizing the light source; and a latch ringmounted to the light body and configured to engage the projection of thelight head, the latch ring having a first position whereat it does notengage the projection of the light head and a second position whereat itengages the projection of the light head when the light head is adjacentthe light body.

Accordingly, a charger for a portable light may comprise: a chargerhousing having a receptacle configured to receive the portable light andhaving a charging contact configured to make electrical connection tothe portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle; a release latch moveably mounted to the charger housing andhaving a projection. The release latch has a first position in which theprojection thereof extends into the receptacle for engaging the portablelight, and has a second position in which the projection does not extendinto the receptacle and does not engage the portable light, and a firstbiasing element to bias the release latch towards the first position. Apair of latch arms on the charger housing in opposing positions aremoveable to extend into the receptacle and out of the receptacle toengage and not engage the portable light in the receptacle of thecharging device. A second biasing element biases the latch arms towardseach other to retain the portable light in the charging device.

Accordingly, a portable light and a charger for a portable light maycomprise: a portable light including: a light body having a handle and abase for receiving a source of electrical power; a light head includinga light source energizable for producing light, the light head beingpivotably mounted to the light body and having a projection; a switchactuatable for energizing the light source; and a latch ring mounted tothe light body and configured to engage the projection of the lighthead, the latch ring having a first position whereat it does not engagethe projection of the light head and a second position whereat itengages the projection of the light head when the light head is adjacentthe light body; and a charger including a charger housing having areceptacle configured to receive the portable light and having acharging contact configured to make electrical connection to theportable light when the portable light is disposed in the receptacle; arelease latch moveably mounted to the charger housing and having aprojection. The release latch has a first position in which theprojection thereof extends into the receptacle for engaging the portablelight, and has a second position in which the projection does not extendinto the receptacle and does not engage the portable light, and a firstbiasing element to bias the release latch towards the first position. Apair of latch arms on the charger housing in opposing positions aremoveable to extend into the receptacle and out of the receptacle toengage and not engage the portable light in the receptacle of thecharging device. A second biasing element biases the latch arms towardseach other to retain the portable light in the charging device.

In summarizing the arrangements described and/or claimed herein, aselection of concepts and/or elements and/or steps that are described inthe detailed description herein may be made or simplified. Any summaryis not intended to identify key features, elements and/or steps, oressential features, elements and/or steps, relating to the claimedsubject matter, and so are not intended to be limiting and should not beconstrued to be limiting of or defining of the scope and breadth of theclaimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) will be moreeasily and better understood when read in conjunction with the FIGURESof the Drawing which include:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a portablelight disposed in an example embodiment of a charging device, and FIGS.1A and 1B are perspective views of the example portable light partiallydisposed in the example charging device, as when being placed intoand/or removed therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the example portable light andthe example charging device substantially in the position of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged portions of sidecross-sectional views illustrating details relating to the positioningof the example light in the example charging device;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, ofthe example portable light with an example embodiment of a light headthereof pivoted relative thereto;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the light headof the example portable light of FIGS. 1 through 3, and FIG. 4A is anenlarged exploded perspective view of an example D-ring and example headlatch of the light head of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 5A through 5C are perspective views of an example latcharrangement with the example head latch member in clear, locked andstowed positions, respectively;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, ofthe example light head apart from the example portable light;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the example light head;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the example embodiment of the chargingdevice, and FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of the charging device withlatch arms thereof in retracted and extended positions, respectively;

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the example charging device with acharger housing thereof spaced apart from a bottom cover thereof, FIG.9B is a partially exploded perspective view of the charger housing, andFIG. 9C is a perspective view of the example charger housing showing theinterior arrangement thereof; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the example charging device of FIGS. 8and 9.

In the Drawing, where an element or feature is shown in more than onedrawing figure, the same alphanumeric designation may be used todesignate such element or feature in each figure, and where a closelyrelated or modified element is shown in a figure, the samealphanumerical designation may be primed or designated “a” or “b” or thelike to designate the modified element or feature. Similar elements orfeatures may be designated by like alphanumeric designations indifferent figures of the Drawing and with similar nomenclature in thespecification. As is common, the various features of the drawing are notto scale, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarilyexpanded or reduced for clarity, and any value stated in any Figure isby way of example only.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a portablelight 100 disposed in an example embodiment of a charging device 400,and FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the example portable light100 partially disposed in the example charging device 400, as when beingplaced into and/or removed therefrom; and FIG. 2 is a sidecross-sectional view of the example portable light 100 and the examplecharging device 400 substantially in the position of FIGS. 1A and 1B,and FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged portions of side cross-sectional viewsof FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 illustrating details relating to the positioningof the example light 100 in the example charging device 400.

Light 100 includes a light housing 110 or body 110 having a base 120having a forward end 122 and a rearward end or heel 124, a handle 130supported on forward support 132 and rearward support 134, a light head200 pivotably supported at the forward end 122 of base 120. Light 100preferably includes one or more loops or rings 140, e.g., D-rings 140,supported on or near to handle 130, to which a strap or lanyard may beattached. Preferably, each of D-rings 140 is pivotably attached tohandle 130 by a respective pin 142 that passes through rings 140R at therespective ends of D-rings 140 and through the housing 110 at or near tohandle 130. Typically, pivot pin 144 has a head at one end and is swagedor peened or otherwise fastened at the other end so as to be retained inits position in or near handle 130 to retain D-ring 140 to light 100.Typically, a washer 144 may be provided at the swaged or peened end ofpivot pin 142.

In a preferred embodiment, light head 200 includes a head housing 210supporting a plurality of light sources 220, e.g., three light sources220, aimed substantially in the same general direction to cooperate toprovide a beam of light, e.g., a beam of substantial light intensity, inthat general direction. Each light source 220 may include a lightemitting diode (LED) light source 224 that is selectively energizable toproduce light, e.g., responsive to actuation of switch actuator assembly160, 164. Typically a source of electrical power 190, e.g., a battery190, may be provided in the base 120 of light housing 110. Switchactuator assembly 160 controls an electrical switch in light housing 110to selectively cause electrical power from power source 190 to becoupled to light sources 220, e.g., to LEDs 224 therein, thereby toenergize light sources 220, 224, to produce light.

Each of light sources 220 preferably includes an optically reflectiveelement 222 that forms the light emitted by the LED 224 into a lightbeam having a desired direction and beam width that passes through asubstantially transparent lens 226 to be emanated from light head 200,e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face of headhousing 210 that supports light sources 220. Reflective elements 222maybe, e.g., curved reflective surfaces 222 that reflect light from LEDs224 or may be, e.g., internally reflective solid optical elements, e.g.,totally internally reflective (TIR) optical elements 222, as may bedesired.

Preferably housing 110 has two opposing spaced apart pivot supports 150at the forward end 122 of base 120 between which light head 200 ispivotably supported and retained, i.e. in a recess 152 defined by theforwardly extending opposing pivot supports 122, 150. Light head 200 maybe pivoted or rotated upward about an axis between pivot supports 122 tobe in a position as illustrated in FIG. 1, which may be referred to as astowed position, and may be pivoted or rotated away, or deployed, fromthat stowed position by up to about 180° or more. Preferably, a headlatch 170, e.g., including a latch ring 172 is provided to retain lighthead 200 in its stowed position and to release light head 200 to bepivoted away from the stowed position.

A charging device 400 is preferably provided that is configured toreceive portable light 100 therein for charging and/or recharging thepower source of light 100, e.g., typically a power source 190 disposedin the base 120 thereof. It is preferred that portable light 100 andcharging device 400 are configured so that light 100 may be placed intocharging device 400 from a range of positions and angles as might beconvenient for a user, rather than requiring a precise positioning andmovement of light 100 in order to properly seat light 100 in chargingdevice 400. Charging device 400 includes a charger housing 410 that isconfigured to have a receptacle 430 that is complementary to the shapeof the base 120 of light 100 for receiving the base 120 therein and thatincludes one or more retaining elements that retain the base 120 oflight 100 in charging device 400 in a position wherein respectiveelectrical contacts of light 100 are in electrical contact withelectrical contacts of charging device 400 so that charging current canflow from charging device 400 to light 100 for charging the electricalpower source 190 thereof. Typically, a pair of charging contacts may beprovided on the heel 124 of base 120 in positions complementary to theposition of a pair of charging contacts on the end wall 434 ofreceptacle 430.

Typically the electrical contacts of light 100, e.g., a pair ofcontacts, are disposed at the heel 124 of base 120 thereof and theelectrical contacts of charging device 400, e.g., a pair of contacts,are disposed at the closed end wall 434 of receptacle 430 thereof, e.g.,in positions complementary to those of the electrical contacts of light100 for coming into electrical contact when light 100 is substantiallyfully seated in receptacle 430 of charging device 400. Receptacle 430 ofcharging device housing 410 is defined by a pair of opposing side walls432 and an adjoining end wall 434 that define a space that is slightlylarger than the base 120 of light housing 110. Side walls 432 and endwall 434 define and surround a base surface of receptacle 430.

Charger housing 410 further includes a pair of opposing pivotable latcharms 420 disposed adjacent to the ends of side walls 432 that are distalthe closed end wall 434. Latch arms 420 are pivotable outwardly fromcharger housing 410 so as to facilitate the placing of light housing 110therein and the removing of light housing 110 therefrom, whereby light100 may easily be placed into and removed from charging device 400.Preferably pivotable latch arms 420 are biased, e.g., by a spring orsprings, to move toward charger housing 410, i.e. toward each other,thereby to engage the base 120 of light 100 for tending to retain light100 in charging device 400. A pair of projections on opposing sides ofbase 120 are configured to be engaged by latch arms 420 when light 100is substantially fully seated in receptacle 430 of charging device 400.

Because latch arms 420 are free to pivot simply by over coming thebiasing provided by the spring or springs thereof, light 100 may beeasily “snapped” into charging device 400, e.g., by a user who isholding a light 100, e.g., by its handle 130. This “snap in” action isoperative whether light 100 is moved toward charging device 400 at anangle as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and is then rotated so that base120 is in receptacle 430 or whether light 100 is slid (moved laterally)into or out of receptacle 430 with the bottom of base 120 substantiallyparallel to the surface of charger housing 410 extending between sidewalls 432 thereof. As a result, light 100 may easily and conveniently beplaced into charging device 400 with little concern for its orientationrelative to charging device 400 (other than that the heel 124 of base120 is towards end wall 434).

Preferably, light housing 110 has a rearward extension 128 near thebottom of the heel or rearward end 124 of base 120 that is configured tomove into a space under contact support 464 which supports electricalcontacts 460 in receptacle 430 of charging device 400. Support 464extends from the rear wall 434 of receptacle 430 of charging device 400to support electrical contacts 460 in a predetermined location relativeto light 100 when light 100 is disposed in receptacle 430 of chargingdevice 400.

With extension 128 under support 464, the rearward end 124 of light 100is positioned so that the respective electrical contacts of light 100and charging device 400 are properly aligned to make electrical contact,and the heel 124 of light 100 is retained in receptacle 430. Thatengagement of heel 128 and support 464 along with the two latch arms 420provides three points of contact with housing 110 for retaining light100 in charging device 400. Thus, light 100 can be hooked by support 464and snapped over latch arms 420 for rapidly being placed into receptacle430, i.e. in a “hook and snap” manner, also referred to as “snap-in.”

Latch arms 420 engaging base 120 of light 100 cooperate with an edge ofbase 120 thereof to retain light 100 in the charging receptacle 430 ofcharging device 400. For example, the base 120 may be wider at or nearits bottom surface so that the transition to a narrower portion thereofprovides a pair of opposing shoulders which the ends of latch arms 420engage for retaining light 100 in receptacle 430. Preferably latch arms420 are biased towards each other thereby to move over such shoulders orother projections of base 120 to maintain positive engagement therewith.

Charging device 400 preferably includes a latch member 442 that engagesa latching recess 126 in base 120 of light 100 when light 100 issubstantially fully disposed in receptacle 430 of charging housing 410thereby to retain light 100 thereon, e.g., to prevent its removal excepta positive action be taken. Latch member 442 may be part of releaseactuator 440 or may be a separate part operatively coupled thereto.

Release actuator 440 is movable in base 410 and is coupled to latchingmember 442 such that when release actuator 440 is depressed, e.g., movedtoward (into) base 410, latching member 442 moves away from anddisengaging from base 120 of light 100, thereby to permit light 100 tobe removed from charging device 400 simply by overcoming the retainingforce of pivoting latch arms 420. Thus, light 100 may be “snapped out”of charging device 400 once actuator 440 is released and light 100 isslid slightly forward, in a somewhat similar manner to it being “snappedin” to charging device 400. Removal of light 100 may be by sliding it ina direction parallel to base housing 410, e.g., parallel to the bottomof receptacle 430, or by pulling it out of receptacle at an angle afterbeing moved a short distance forward, e.g., substantially in anydirection opposite to the directions in which it may be inserted intoreceptacle 430. This “snap in-snap out” feature can be particularlyadvantageous when it in necessary or desirable to quickly place light100 into charging device 400 or to quickly remove it therefrom.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, ofthe example portable light 100 with an example embodiment of a lighthead 200 thereof pivoted relative thereto; FIG. 4 is a perspective viewof an example embodiment of the light head 200 of the example portablelight 100 of FIGS. 1 through 3, and FIG. 4A is an enlarged explodedperspective view of an example D-ring 140 and example head latch 170 ofthe light head 200 of FIG. 4; and FIGS. 5A through 5C are perspectiveviews of an example latch arrangement 170 with the example head latchmember 172 in clear (unlocked), locked and stowed positions,respectively.

Light head 200 is pivotably mounted in pivot supports 150 betweenforward ends 122 of base 120 so as to pivot about an axis transverse tobase 120 and handle 130. Each pivot support 150 includes a substantiallycylindrical projection 202 that extends outwardly from the light head200 and into a substantially cylindrical receptacle 152 at the innerside of the forward end 122 of base 120, with both projections 202 andboth receptacles 152 being coaxial, i.e. along a common axis transverseto base 120.

While light head is illustrated in a pivoted position that is about 45°from its stowed position closely adjacent to forward handle support 132,light head 200 may be pivoted by at least 150° from its stowed position,and preferably at least about 180° from its stowed position, thereby todirect light rearwardly along the bottom of base 120 of light housing110. It can be seen that housing 210 of light head 200 has a fronthousing 230 and a rear housing 240 and that there are plural slots inrear housing 240, e.g., for enabling air flow for cooling the lightsources 220 therein.

In one embodiment, D-ring 140 and head latch D-ring 170 are pivotablymounted at the upper forward end of light 100, e.g., at the forward endof handle 130. D-Ring 140 is formed into a respective ring 140R at eachof its ends wherein rings 140R are configured so that a common axispasses through both rings 140R. Similarly, head latch D-Ring 170 is alatch loop 172 or latch ring 172 that is formed into a respective ring172R at each of its ends wherein rings 172R are configured so that acommon axis passes through both rings 172R. Housing 110 has a throughhole 114 through which pivot pin 142 passes with the ring ends 140R ofD-ring 140 straddling the exterior of housing 110 at through hole 114and with the ring ends 172R of head latch loop 172 in a recess thereat,whereby both D-ring 140 and head latch loop 172 are pivotable on pivotpin 142. Typically, pin 142 has an enlarged diameter, e.g., a head, atone end thereof and the distal end thereof is peened or swaged over awasher 144 that is adjacent to end ring 140R of D-ring 140.

Pivot pin 142 also passes through a switch actuator assembly 160including an electrical switch 162 for controlling operation of light100 which is actuated via an exposed switch actuator 164 which isaccessible externally to light 100, e.g., near the forward end of handle130. Actuator 164 is typically of a flexible material so as to deformwhen pressed to transfer force to switch 162 thereby to effectelectrical actuation thereof.

In assembly, pivot pin 142 is inserted through an end ring 140R ofD-ring 140, into hole 114 of housing 110, through an end ring oflatching ring 170, through switch actuator assembly 160, through theother end ring of latching ring 170, through the remainder of hole 114,through the other end ring 140R of D-ring 140, and through washer 144,after which the end of pivot pin 142 is peened or swaged so as to not beremovable.

Head latch 170 including latch loop 172 may be pivoted outwardly fromlight housing 110 into a position 1 as illustrated in FIG. 5A whereby itis clear of or away from head 200 thereby allowing head 200 to be freelypivoted toward or away from light housing 110. Light housing 110preferably has a pair of slots 170S at the forward end of handle 130,e.g., in the underside of switch assembly 160, thereof that have aninterference fit with latch loop 172 for retaining latch loop 172 in theclear position.

The interference fit for retaining latch loop 172 in position may beprovided by the center-to-center distance between the slots 170S beingslightly larger than is the center-to-center spacing of the sides oflatch loop 172, or by the center-to-center distance between the slots170S being slightly smaller than is the center-to-center spacing of thesides of latch loop 172, or by the slots 170S each being slightlynarrower in width than the diameter of the wire or rod from which latchloop 172 is formed.

Head latch 170 including latch loop 172 may be pivoted inwardly towardlight housing 110 into a position 2 whilst light head 200 is seated orstowed, e.g., pivoted upward so as to be close to light housing 110, asillustrated in FIG. 5B whereby latch loop 172 engages a projection 217or other feature 217 of light head 200 thereby to engage and retain,e.g., lock, light head 200 adjacent to light housing 110. Latchprojection 217 of light head 200 is preferably of like size or slightlylarger than is the opening in latch loop 172 for having an interferencefit therewith to retain latch 170 in the latched or locked positionwherein it engages projection 217 of head 200, thereby to retain head200 in its stowed position adjacent to light housing 110.

Head latch 170 including latch loop 172 may be pivoted inwardly towardlight housing 110 into a position 3 whilst light head 200 is pivotedaway from its seated, e.g., pivoted upward, position so as to be closeto the underside of the forward end of handle 130, e.g., to theunderside of switch assembly 160, of light housing 110 as illustrated inFIG. 5C whereby latch loop 172 is stowed or nested against light housing110 and does not engage or retain light head 200 relative to lighthousing 110. Light housing 110 preferably has a recess 170R in theunderside of the forward end of handle 130 thereof into which latch loop172 is received in the stowed position. This recess 170R is slightlynarrower or smaller than the dimension across latch loop 172 thereby tohave an interference fit for retaining latch loop 172 therein when inthe stowed position.

Thus light 100 is configured to give a user the ability to use or notuse latch ring 170 as may be best in that user's view and circumstance,because latch ring 170 can be positioned so as to not interfere with thepivoting of light head 200 and/or can be positioned to latch or torelease light head 200 for pivoting relative to its stowed or seatedposition.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, ofthe example light head 200 apart from the example portable light 100;and FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the example light head 200. Light head200 includes the light source 220 of light 100. Head housing 210 oflight head 200 includes a forward housing part 230 that has pluralopenings 232 that correspond in shape and location with light sources220 and a rearward housing part 340 that preferably has a plurality ofslots or other openings 242 for facilitating cooling of a heat sink 300contained within housing 210. A feature 217 at one end of head housing210, e.g., the top end thereof, is provided as part of a latcharrangement 170 therefor described herein and another feature 320, 322at the opposite end thereof, e.g., at the bottom end thereof, isprovided as part of a pivotable mounting for light head 200, alsodescribed herein.

In one typical example embodiment, light head 200 includes plural, e.g.,three, LED light sources 220 arranged in a triangular array at theexposed forward face thereof. Each light source 220 includes an LED 224seated at or near the base or narrow end of a reflective element 222.The plural light sources 220 may be energized together, or one at atime, or in combinations, and may produce white light and/or coloredlight, as may be desired. Typically, the plural LEDs 224 may besupported on a common substrate 330, e.g., a common circuit board 330,or on separate substrates 330. Reflective element 222 may be have ashaped reflective surface 222 or may be a solid optically clear element222 such as a totally internally reflective (TIR) optical element 222.

One typical reflective element 222 includes a curved reflective surface222 having a rearward narrower end at which a light emitting element224, e.g., an LED 224, is disposed, e.g., on a substrate 330, and havinga relatively wider open end from which light from emitting element 222exits, either coming directly from LED 224 or indirectly via reflectivesurface 222. The surface of reflector 222 may be generally parabolic inshape or may have any other suitable, typically curved, shape as may bedesired to produce a beam of light having desired characteristics, e.g.,a spot beam or a flood beam, or something in between.

An optically clear lens 226 typically covers the wider open ends ofreflective elements 222, e.g., a single lens 226 may be provided thathas a relatively large substantially flat portion covers all three lightsources 220 (as illustrated) or separate lenses 226 may be provided,e.g., one for each light source 220. Typically lens 226 has a somewhattriangular shape with rounded angles so as to cover the triangular arrayof light sources 220 with sides 226S that generally follow the shape ofthe periphery of forward housing 230 so as to be retained between frontand rear housing 230, 240 when they are assembled and fastened byfasteners 210F.

Alternatively, each separate lens 226 may have a generally circularshape similar to the open end of reflector 222 and seats in a circularopening 232 in front housing part 230. In either configuration, andtypically, front and rear housing parts 230, 240 and lens 226 are sealedrelative to each other by a seal 210S to reduce entry of moisture,debris and other undesirable substances.

Electrical substrate 330 that supports and provides electricalconnections to LEDs 224 mounted thereon is supported by a thermallyconductive heat sink 300 and is separated therefrom by an electricalinsulator 340. Substrate 330 may be attached to heat sink 300 by pluralfasteners 330F, e.g., screw type fasteners 330F, with insulator 340interposed between substrate 330 and heat sink 300, and the interfacestherebetween may have a thermal grease or other thermally conductivematerial for reducing the thermal resistance therebetween to facilitateconducting heat away from LEDs 224.

Preferably, heat sink 300 has a concave forward side into whichsubstrates 330, 340 are disposed and has a convex rearward side on whichare a plurality of raised flanges 310 or similar features 310 thatincrease the surface area of heat sink 300, thereby to reduce itsthermal resistance and the operating temperature of LEDs 224. Preferablyheat sink 300 is formed integrally of a thermally conductive material,such as a thermally filled nylon or other plastic or as a cast, formedor machined aluminum heat sink 300.

Heat sink 300 also has a pair of outwardly extending substantiallycoaxial and cylindrical projections 320 at the lower end thereof forcooperating with a pair of corresponding receptacles 152 of base 120 oflight housing 110, for providing a pivotable joint between light head200 and light housing 110. One or both cylindrical projections 320 mayhave a plurality of teeth 322 or other projections and/or recesses forproviding a detent for the pivoting of light head 200, whereby head 200tends to remain in position at certain pivot angles when manually movedto such positions. Each of front and rear housings 230, 240 has asubstantially semicircular recess 234, 244 through which cylindricalprojections 320 extend.

Electrical power is provided to LEDs 224 on substrate 330 via contacts334 at the ends of one or more electrical conductors 332 that passthrough central openings through one or both pivot projections 320 forconducting electrical power from battery 190 via switch 160 and anycontrol circuitry that may be provided. Control circuitry is providedfor operating light sources 220 and for charging battery 190. A circuitthereof for providing the desired level of current flowing in each ofthe LEDs 224 is preferably provided on substrate 330, and may includeone or more DC converters, one or more current regulators, a processoror controller such as a micro-processor, and the like. A circuit thereoffor providing the desired level of charging current flowing to battery190 in housing 110 is preferably provided on a substrate located in thelower part of housing 110 and may include a DC converter, a voltagelimiting circuit, a current limiter and/or regulator, a processor orcontroller such as a micro-processor, and the like.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the example embodiment of the chargingdevice 400, and FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of the charging device400 with latch arms 420 thereof in retracted and extended positions,respectively; FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the example charging device400 with a charger housing 410 thereof spaced apart from a bottom cover450 thereof, FIG. 9B is a partially exploded perspective view of thecharger housing 410, and FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the examplecharger housing 410 showing the interior arrangement thereof; and FIG.10 is an exploded view of the example charging device 400 shown in FIGS.8 through 9C.

Charger device 400 housing 410 has sidewalls 432 and end wall 434 thatdefine a receptacle 430 into which the base 120 of light 100 can beplaced for charging and recharging batteries 190 thereof. A pair ofelectrical contacts 460 located on end wall 434 of receptacle 430 arepositioned so as to come into electrical contact with a correspondingpair of electrical contacts 192 (covered in a FIG. 3B) on the rearwardend 124 of base 120 of light housing 110 of light 100 to carry chargingcurrent to light 100, e.g., to power source 190 thereof. Typically abiasing spring 462 is provided to move each charging contact 460outwardly, i.e. towards the base 120 of a light 100 in receptacle 430,thereby to maintain contact and contact pressure against electricalcontacts 192 of light 100.

Charging device 400 receives electrical power for charging light 100 viaan electrical connector 470 located in connector housing 456 of bottomcover 450, and electrical power is conducted from connector 470 toelectrical contacts via electrical wires 472, thereby to complete thecharging circuit. Charging power from an external source, e.g., avehicle electrical system, and DC power source, and/or an AC/DC powerpack or converter, or any other suitable electrical power source.

Release actuator 440 is in one example embodiment an L-shaped memberhaving an actuator portion 440A at or near the end of the shorter leg ofthe “L” and a pivot axle 446 at or near the end of the longer leg of the“L.” Pivot axle 446 provides a pivot about an axis that is parallel tothe bottom of receptacle 430 and is transverse to charger housing 410.Latch member 442 is located on the longer leg of the “L” intermediatepivot axle 446 and the junction of the longer and shorter legs of theL-shaped member 440. It is noted that release actuator 440 could beconfigured in different shapes than an “L” and/or for translationalmotion or for any other motion that will allow latch member 442 to movein response to movement of actuator portion 440A.

A latch member 442 that is part of release actuator 440 movably extendsinto receptacle 430 on the floor thereof. Release actuator 440 ispivotably mounted with its pivot axle 446 seated in release actuatorpivot seat 454 of charger bottom cover 450 on axle 446 and is biasedupwardly by release actuator bias member 444, e.g., release actuatorbias spring 444, so that latch member 442 is moved upwardly into thespace of receptacle thereby to latch with a corresponding latchingrecess 126 in the base 120 of light 100. The ends of release actuatorspring 444 are positioned by respective spring seats, e.g., by releaseactuator spring seat 452 on charger cover 450 and a corresponding seat448 on the underside of release actuator 440.

Latch member 442 retracts when light 100 is being inserted intoreceptacle 430 because the base 120 of light 100 bears against latchmember 442 causing it to pivot downwardly to allow base 120 to pass andbecome fully seated in receptacle 430 whereat latch member 442 movesupwardly into latching recess 126 of base 120 of light 100, thereby toretain light 100 in receptacle 430. Latch member 442 moves downwardlywhen release actuator 440 is pushed or pressed downwardly, e.g., at itsactuator end 440A which is exposed at the rear (or bottom) of chargingdevice 400, thereby to be removed from latching recess 126 to releasethe base 120 of light 100 for removal from charging device 400.

A pair of opposing latch arms 420 are pivotably mounted on housing 410at pivot 424 and are pivotable thereon as indicated by the double endedarrows in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Each latch arm 420 has an inwardly extendingflange 422 configured to grasp or otherwise engage a shoulder of base120 of light 100 when light 100 is in receptacle 430 and latch arms 420are pivoted to their respective inward positions. When latch arms 420are pivoted outwardly flanges 422 thereof are separated by a distancesufficient to allow base 120 of light 100 to pass therebetween. Latcharms 420 pivot about respective axes that are substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom of receptacle 430 and parallel to the sidewalls 432 thereof, whereby the ends 422 of latch arms 420 are pivotableto move into and out of the receptacle 430 of charging device 400 forfacilitating the placement of light 100, e.g., the base 120 thereof,therein and the removal of light 100 therefrom.

A latch arm biasing member 426, e.g., a latch arm spring 426, isconfigured to bias latch arms 420 and flanges 422 thereof inwardly, i.e.to move towards each other for engaging the base 120 of light 100 whenlight 100 is seated in receptacle 430 of charging device 400. Spring 426is in compression between parts of both latch arms 420 that are on theside of pivots 424 opposite the flanges 422 thereof thereby to biaslatch arms 420 and flanges 422 thereof to move inwardly. Latch arms 420are moved outwardly by applying a force sufficient to overcome theinward bias imparted by spring 426, e.g., by the base 120 of light 100being pressed or pushed into receptacle 430 of charging device 400.

In one typical embodiment, when latch arms 420 are moved inwardly underthe bias of spring 426, the respective ends of inwardly extendingflanges 422 of lath arms 420 are each at an angle of about 35° withrespect to the longitudinal axis of charging device 400 (e.g., defininga total angle of about 70° between the flanges 422). When latch arms 420are moved outwardly by overcoming the bias of spring 426, the respectiveends of inwardly extending flanges 422 of latch arms 420 are each at anangle of about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of chargingdevice 400 (e.g., defining a total angle of about 90° between theflanges 422).

To facilitate the base 120 of light 100 being snapped into receptacle430, it is preferred that the inwardly extending flanges 422 of pivotedlatch arms 420 have a triangular shape and are formed, shaped or slopedto have a shaped surface 422C, e.g., with a chamfer or a bevel 422C, ata suitable angle, e.g., about 45°, on their outer surfaces so that forceapplied thereto by the base 120 of light 100 when it is being moveddownward when being inserted into receptacle 430 produces an outwardlydirected force on latch arms 420, thereby to facilitate their pivotingoutwardly to allow base 120 to enter receptacle 430. Also preferably,the side edges of base 120 are also shaped or sloped so as to provide acomplementary force transfer to latch arms 420 and to urge them to pivotin an outward direction.

Bottom cover 450 fits into the bottom of charger housing 410 and may befastened into charger housing 410 by any suitable fastener. In oneembodiment, charger housing 410 has a plurality of snap-togetherfastener posts 418 that align with and enter into corresponding fastenerreceptacles 458 of bottom cover 450 when bottom cover 450 is insertedinto the bottom of charger housing 410 and snap securely togethertherein. Fastener posts 418 preferably have opposing flexible hooks thatare compressed inwardly when a fastener post 418 enters into a fastenerreceptacle 458 and which snap outwardly when fastener post 418 is fullyseated in a receptacle 458, thereby to snap together in a secure manner.Some or all fastener posts 418 have or may have an opening therethroughthrough which a screw or other fastener may be inserted for mountingcharging device 400 to a surface, e.g., a wall, a frame, a vehicle oranother support.

Corresponding seats and other features of charging housing 410 and ofbottom cover 450 serve to retain various parts of charging device 400,e.g., latch arms 420 and release actuator 440 and their respectivesprings, as well as connector 470, in their predetermined positionswithin charging device 400.

Bottom cover 450 may be formed to provide one or more channels 476 onthe exposed or external surface thereof for the convenient routing ofwires from the external electrical power source that connects toelectrical connector 470 of charging device 400 to provide chargingcurrent for charging and recharging the electrical power source 190 oflight 100 via charging device 400. In the illustrated example, a longerchannel 476 extends over almost the entire length of bottom cover 450connecting with shorter channels from side openings 476S and end opening476E so that wires may be routed in channels 476 from those openings476S, 476E to connector housing 456 whereat an electrical connector ofthe external charger mates with electrical connector 470 of chargingdevice 400.

In a typical embodiment, light housings 110, 120, head housing 210, 230,240, charger housing 410 and bottom cover 450, as well as latch arms420, actuator 440 and like parts may be formed of a reinforced nylon,engineered nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate,or other suitable plastic material, and heat sink 300 may be of athermally conductive reinforced nylon, engineered nylon, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, or other suitable thermallyconductive plastic material, e.g., a plastic that includes (is filledwith) thermally conductive particles, flakes, strands or other thermallyconductive material, or of a metal such as aluminum, brass and the like,or another suitable thermally conductive material. D-rings 140, latchloop 170 and the like are typically formed from steel wire or rod.

Therein, one typical light 100 is about 7.5 inches (about 19.1 cm) long,about 4.3 inches (about 10.9 cm) wide and about 6.3 inches (about 16 cm)high and weighs about 39.7 ounces (about 1.1 kg). An associated typicalcharging device is about 8.7 inches (about 22.1 cm) long, about 4.5inches (about 11.4 cm) wide and about 2.6 inches (about 6.6 cm) high andweighs about 9.2 ounces (about 0.26 kg).

A portable light 100 may comprise: a light body having a handle and abase for receiving a source of electrical power; a light head pivotablymounted at a base end thereof to a forward end of the light body andhaving a projection at an end distal the base end thereof, the lighthead may include a light source energizable for producing light; aswitch supported by the light body and actuatable for energizing thelight source; and a latch ring pivotably mounted at the forward end ofthe light body and configured for being pivoted to engage the projectionof the light head when the light head is pivoted to be adjacent to theforward end of the light body, the latch ring being pivotable to a firstposition whereat it does not engage the projection of the light head,whereby the light head is not constrained by the latch ring, and beingpivotable to a second position whereat it engages the projection of thelight head when the light head is pivoted to be adjacent the forward endof the light body. The light body may have at its forward end a slot ora recess or a slot and a recess, wherein the slot and/or recess areconfigured to receive the latch ring therein when the latch ring ispivoted to the first position. The slot and/or recess may be configuredto have an interference fit with the latch ring thereby to retain thelatch ring in the first position. The latch ring may be pivotable to athird position whereat it is stowed in a further recess of the lightbody. The further recess may be configured to have an interference fitwith the latch ring thereby to retain the latch ring in the thirdposition. The latch ring may have an end ring at each of opposing endsthereof, wherein the pivotable mounting of the latch ring includes apivot pin that passes through the end rings of the latch ring andthrough an opening in the light body. The portable light may include aD-ring having an end ring at opposing ends thereof, wherein the pivotpin passes through the end rings of the D-ring, whereby the latch ringand the D-ring are independently pivotable on the pivot pin. The lightbody may have a base configured for the light being placed on a surface,wherein the light head is pivotably mounted with its base end pivoted ata forward end of the base of the light body, and wherein the latch ringis pivotably mounted on the forward end of the light body at a locationdistal the base of the light body whereat the latch ring is pivotable toengage the projection of the light head.

A charging device 400 for a portable light having a light bodycontaining a rechargeable battery, the light body of the portable lighthaving opposing sides and a latching recess of a predetermined shape ina base thereof, and having one or more charging contacts for receivingelectrical power for charging the rechargeable battery, the chargingdevice may comprise: a charger housing having a receptacle configured toreceive the light body of the portable light and having one or morecharging contacts configured to make electrical connection to the one ormore charging contacts of the portable light when the portable light isdisposed in the receptacle of the charger housing; a release latchmoveably mounted to the charger housing and having a projection, whereinwhen the release latch is moved to a first position the projection ofthe release latch extends into the receptacle of the charger housing forengaging the portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle of the charging device, whereby the portable light isretained in the charging device, and wherein when the release latch ismoved to a second position the projection of the release latch does notextend into the receptacle of the charger housing and does not engagethe portable light when the portable light is disposed in the receptacleof the charging device, whereby the portable light is released to beremoved from the receptacle of the charging device; a first biasingelement configured to bias the release latch towards the first position,whereby the release latch is biased to move to retain the portable lightin the charging device; a pair of latch arms each moveably mounted onthe charger housing in opposing positions at opposite sides of thereceptacle thereof, the latch arms being moveable to move closertogether to extend into the receptacle and to move farther apart to beout of the receptacle, wherein each latch arm has a distal endconfigured to engage the light body of the portable light when theportable light is disposed in the receptacle of the charging device andthe latch arms are moved to be closer together and to not engage thelight body of the portable light when the portable light is disposed inthe receptacle of the charging device and the latch arms are moved to befarther apart; and a second biasing element configured to bias the latcharms towards each other, whereby the latch arms are biased to move intothe receptacle to retain the portable light in the charging device. Theprojection of the release latch may have a shape complementary to thelatching recess of predetermined shape on the base of the portablelight, wherein when the release latch is moved to the first position theprojection of the release latch engages the latching recess of theportable light when the portable light is disposed in the receptacle ofthe charging device, and wherein when the release latch is moved to thesecond position the projection of the release latch does not extend intothe receptacle of the charger housing and does not engage the latchingrecess of the portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle of the charging device. The release latch may be pivotablymounted to move into and out of the receptacle of the charging device.The distal end of each latch arm may include an inwardly directed flangeconfigured to engage the light body of the portable light when theportable light is disposed in the receptacle of the charging device. Theinwardly directed flange of each latch arm may be: triangular in shape;or chamfered or beveled; or triangular in shape and chamfered orbeveled, wherein the latch arms are movable outwardly by the light beinginserted into the receptacle of the charging device or by the lightbeing removed from the receptacle of the charging device, whereby theportable light is insertable into and is removable from the chargingdevice in a snap-in, snap-out manner. The respective flanges of each ofthe latch arms engage a respective shoulder on the side of the lightbody of the portable light.

A portable light and charging device therefor, wherein the portablelight may comprise: a light body having a handle and a base forreceiving a source of electrical power, having a latching recess in thebase thereof, and having one or more charging contacts configured tomake electrical connection to the source of electrical power; a lighthead pivotably mounted at a base end thereof to a forward end of thelight body and having a projection at an end distal the base endthereof, the light head may include a light source energizable forproducing light; a switch supported by the light body and actuatable forenergizing the light source; and a latch ring pivotably mounted at theforward end of the light body and configured for being pivoted to engagethe projection of the light head when the light head is pivoted to beadjacent to the forward end of the light body, the latch ring beingpivotable to a first position whereat it does not engage the projectionof the light head, whereby the light head is not constrained by thelatch ring, and being pivotable to a second position whereat it engagesthe projection of the light head when the light head is pivoted to beadjacent the forward end of the light body; and wherein the chargingdevice may comprise: a charger housing having a receptacle configured toreceive the light body of the portable light and having one or morecharging contacts configured to make electrical connection to the one ormore charging contacts of the portable light when the portable light isdisposed in the receptacle of the charger housing; a release latchmoveably mounted to the charger housing and having a projection, whereinwhen the release latch is moved to a first position the projection ofthe release latch extends into the receptacle of the charger housing forengaging the portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle of the charging device, whereby the portable light isretained in the charging device, and wherein when the release latch ismoved to a second position the projection of the release latch does notextend into the receptacle of the charger housing and does not engagethe portable light when the portable light is disposed in the receptacleof the charging device, whereby the portable light is released to beremoved from the receptacle of the charging device; a first biasingelement configured to bias the release latch towards the first position,whereby the release latch is biased to move to retain the portable lightin the charging device; a pair of latch arms each moveably mounted onthe charger housing in opposing positions at opposite sides of thereceptacle thereof, the latch arms being moveable to move closertogether to extend into the receptacle and to move farther apart to beout of the receptacle, wherein each latch arm has a distal endconfigured to engage the light body of the portable light when theportable light is disposed in the receptacle of the charging device andthe latch arms are moved to be closer together and to not engage thelight body of the portable light when the portable light is disposed inthe receptacle of the charging device and the latch arms are moved to befarther apart; and a second biasing element configured to bias the latcharms towards each other, whereby the latch arms are biased to move intothe receptacle to retain the portable light in the charging device. Thelight body may have at its forward end a slot or a recess or a slot anda recess, wherein the slot and/or recess are configured to receive thelatch ring therein when the latch ring is pivoted to the first position.The slot and/or recess may be configured to have an interference fitwith the latch ring thereby to retain the latch ring in the firstposition. The latch ring may be pivotable to a third position whereat itis stowed in a further recess of the light body. The further recess maybe configured to have an interference fit with the latch ring thereby toretain the latch ring in the third position. The latch ring may have anend ring at each of opposing ends thereof, and wherein the pivotablemounting of the latch ring may include a pivot pin that passes throughthe end rings of the latch ring and through an opening in the lightbody. The portable light may include a D-ring having an end ring atopposing ends thereof, wherein the pivot pin passes through the endrings of the D-ring, whereby the latch ring and the D-ring areindependently pivotable on the pivot pin. The light body may have a baseconfigured for the light being placed on a surface, wherein the lighthead is pivotably mounted with its base end pivoted at a forward end ofthe base of the light body, and wherein the latch ring is pivotablymounted on the forward end of the light body at a location distal thebase of the light body whereat the latch ring is pivotable to engage theprojection of the light head. The projection of the release latch mayhave a shape complementary to the latching recess of predetermined shapeon the base of the portable light, wherein when the release latch ismoved to the first position the projection of the release latch engagesthe latching recess of the portable light when the portable light isdisposed in the receptacle of the charging device, and wherein when therelease latch is moved to the second position the projection of therelease latch does not extend into the receptacle of the charger housingand does not engage the latching recess of the portable light when theportable light is disposed in the receptacle of the charging device. Therelease latch may be pivotably mounted to move into and out of thereceptacle of the charging device. The distal end of each latch arm mayinclude an inwardly directed flange configured to engage the light bodyof the portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle of the charging device. The inwardly directed flange of eachlatch arm may be: triangular in shape; or chamfered or beveled; ortriangular in shape and chamfered or beveled, wherein the latch arms aremovable outwardly by the light being inserted into the receptacle of thecharging device or by the light being removed from the receptacle of thecharging device, whereby the portable light is insertable into and isremovable from the charging device in a snap-in, snap-out manner. Therespective flanges of each of the latch arms may engage a respectiveshoulder on the side of the light body of the portable light.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes,formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities andcharacteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximateand/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art. In general, a dimension, size,formulation, parameter, shape or other quantity or characteristic is“about” or “approximate”whether or not expressly stated to be such. Itis noted that embodiments of very different sizes, shapes and dimensionsmay employ the described arrangements.

Although terms such as “front,” “back,” “rear,” “side,” “end,” “top,”“bottom,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,”“forward,” “backward,” “under” and/or “over,” “vertical,” “horizontal,”and the like may be used herein as a convenience in describing one ormore embodiments and/or uses of the present arrangement, the articlesdescribed may be positioned in any desired orientation and/or may beutilized in any desired position and/or orientation. Such terms ofposition and/or orientation should be understood as being forconvenience only, and not as limiting of the invention as claimed.

As used herein, the term “and/or” encompasses both the conjunctive andthe disjunctive cases, so that a phrase in the form “A and/or B”encompasses “A” or “B” or “A and B.” In addition, the term “at least oneof” one or more elements is intended to include one of any one of theelements, more than one of any of the elements, and two or more of theelements up to and including all of the elements, and so, e.g., thephrase in the form “at least one of A, B and C” includes “A,” “B,” “C,”“A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C,” and “A and B and C.”

A fastener as used herein may include any fastener or other fasteningdevice that may be suitable for the described use, including threadedfasteners, e.g., bolts, screws and driven fasteners, as well as pins,rivets, nails, spikes, barbed fasteners, clips, clamps, nuts, speednuts, cap nuts, acorn nuts, and the like. Where it is apparent that afastener would be removable in the usual use of the example embodimentdescribed herein, then removable fasteners would be preferred in suchinstances. A fastener may also include, where appropriate, other formsof fastening such as a formed head, e.g., a peened or heat formed head,a weld, e.g., a heat weld or ultrasonic weld, a braze, and adhesive, andthe like.

As used herein, the terms “connected” and “coupled” as well asvariations thereof are not intended to be exact synonyms, but toencompass some similar things and some different things. The term“connected” may be used generally to refer to elements that have adirect electrical and/or physical contact to each other, whereas theterm “coupled” may be used generally to refer to elements that have anindirect electrical and/or physical contact with each other, e.g., viaone or more intermediate elements, so as to cooperate and/or interactwith each other, and may include elements in direct contact as well.

The term battery is used herein to refer to an electro-chemical devicecomprising one or more electro-chemical cells and/or fuel cells, and soa battery may include a single cell or plural cells, whether asindividual units or as a packaged unit. A battery is one example of atype of an electrical power source suitable for a portable or otherdevice. Such devices could include power sources including, but notlimited to, fuel cells, super capacitors, solar cells, and the like. Anyof the foregoing may be intended for a single use or for beingrechargeable or for both.

Various embodiments of a battery may have one or more battery cells,e.g., one, two, three, four, or five or more battery cells, as may bedeemed suitable for any particular device. A battery may employ varioustypes and kinds of battery chemistry types, e.g., a carbon-zinc,alkaline, lead acid, nickel-cadmium (Ni—Cd), nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH)or lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery type, of a suitable number of cells andcell capacity for providing a desired operating time and/or lifetime fora particular device, and may be intended for a single use or for beingrechargeable or for both. Examples may include a three or six cell leadacid battery typically producing about 6 volts or about 12 volts, athree cell Ni—Cd battery typically producing about 3.6 volts, a fourcell NiMH battery typically producing about 4.8 volts, a five cell NiMHbattery producing about 6 volts, a Li-Ion battery typically producingabout 3.5 volts, or a two-cell Li-Ion battery typically producing about7 volts, it being noted that the voltages produced thereby will behigher when approaching full charge and will be lower in discharge,particularly when providing higher current and when reaching a low levelof charge, e.g., becoming discharged.

The term DC converter is used herein to refer to any electronic circuitthat receives at an input electrical power at one voltage and currentlevel and provides at an output DC electrical power at a differentvoltage and/or current level. Examples may include a DC-DC converter, anAC-DC converter, a boost converter, a buck converter, a buck-boostconverter, a single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC), a seriesregulating element, a current level regulator, and the like. The inputand output thereof may be DC coupled and/or AC coupled, e.g., as by atransformer and/or capacitor. A DC converter may or may not includecircuitry for regulating a voltage and/or a current level, e.g., at anoutput thereof, and may have one or more outputs providing electricalpower at different voltage and/or current levels and/or in differentforms, e.g., AC or DC.

While the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoingexample embodiments, variations within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention as defined by the claims following will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. For example, light head 200 could be pivotablymounted at its upper end with a latch engaging a latching loop 170 onlight housing 110 located at the bottom end thereof, whereby light head200 is pivotable upward relative to light housing 110 rather thandownward as in the illustrated example.

By was of further example, light head 200 could be pivoted about anintermediate location or axis thereon, e.g., so as to be pivotableupwardly, downwardly, or both upwardly and downwardly, relative to lighthousing 110. In any arrangement, a latching loop 172 and complementarylatch feature 217 are provided in suitable locations for latching andreleasing light head 200 relative to light housing 110 or portable light100.

The corresponding electrical contacts 192, 460 of light 100 and chargingdevice 400 may be located on the end of base 120 as illustrated or maybe located on one or both of the sides thereof, as may be convenient.

While the illustrated embodiment of light 100 has substantially coaxialand cylindrical projections 320 that extend outwardly from the heat sink300 of light head 200 and into corresponding substantially coaxial andcylindrical receptacles 152 at the inner sides of the forward ends 122of base 120, the coaxial and cylindrical projections can extend inwardlyfrom the forward ends 122 of base 120 into the space therebetween andthe corresponding coaxial and cylindrical receptacles can be on lighthead 200, e.g., in heat sink 300 thereof, where they respectivelyreceive the projections extending from ends 122 of base 120.

While latch arms 420 are illustrated as being pivotable on a pivot 424about an axis that is substantially parallel to the sidewall 432 ofreceptacle 430 and that is substantially perpendicular to the basesurface of receptacle 430 between walls 432, 434 thereof, they can bepivoted about any suitable axis that provides suitable movement of theflanges 422 thereof for admitting light 100 into charger 400 and forreleasing light 100 therefrom, substantially as described.

While certain features may be described as a raised feature, e.g., aridge, boss, flange, projection or other raised feature, such featuremay be positively formed or may be what remains after a recessedfeature, e.g., a groove, slot, hole, indentation, recess or otherrecessed feature, is made. Similarly, while certain features may bedescribed as a recessed feature, e.g., a groove, slot, hole,indentation, recess or other recessed feature, such feature may bepositively formed or may be what remains after a raised feature, e.g., aridge, boss, flange, projection or other raised feature, is made.

Each of the U.S. Provisional Applications, U.S. Patent Applications,and/or U.S. Patents, identified herein is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, for any purpose and for all purposesirrespective of how it may be referred to or described herein.

Finally, numerical values stated are typical or example values, are notlimiting values, and do not preclude substantially larger and/orsubstantially smaller values. Values in any given embodiment may besubstantially larger and/or may be substantially smaller than theexample or typical values stated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable light comprising: a light body havinga handle and a base for receiving a source of electrical power; a lighthead pivotably mounted at a base end thereof to a forward end of saidlight body and having a projection at an end distal the base endthereof, said light head including a light source energizable forproducing light; a switch supported by said light body and actuatablefor energizing said light source; and a latch ring pivotably mounted atthe forward end of said light body and configured for being pivoted toengage the projection of said light head when said light head is pivotedto be adjacent to the forward end of said light body, said latch ringbeing pivotable to a first position whereat it does not engage theprojection of said light head, whereby said light head is notconstrained by said latch ring, and being pivotable to a second positionwhereat it engages the projection of said light head when said lighthead is pivoted to be adjacent the forward end of said light body. 2.The portable light of claim 1 wherein said light body has at its forwardend a slot or a recess or a slot and a recess, wherein the slot and/orrecess are configured to receive said latch ring therein when said latchring is pivoted to the first position.
 3. The portable light of claim 2wherein the slot and/or recess are configured to have an interferencefit with said latch ring thereby to retain the latch ring in the firstposition.
 4. The portable light of claim 1 wherein said latch ring ispivotable to a third position whereat it is stowed in a further recessof said light body.
 5. The portable light of claim 4 wherein the furtherrecess is configured to have an interference fit with said latch ringthereby to retain the latch ring in the third position.
 6. The portablelight of claim 1 wherein said latch ring has an end ring at each ofopposing ends thereof, and wherein the pivotable mounting of said latchring includes a pivot pin that passes through the end rings of saidlatch ring and through an opening in said light body.
 7. The portablelight of claim 6 wherein said portable light includes a D-ring having anend ring at opposing ends thereof, wherein said pivot pin passes throughthe end rings of said D-ring, whereby said latch ring and said D-ringare independently pivotable on said pivot pin.
 8. The portable light ofclaim 1 wherein said light body has a base configured for said lightbeing placed on a surface, wherein said light head is pivotably mountedwith its base end pivoted at a forward end of the base of said lightbody, and wherein said latch ring is pivotably mounted on the forwardend of said light body at a location distal the base of said light bodywhereat said latch ring is pivotable to engage the projection of saidlight head.
 9. A charging device for a portable light having a lightbody containing a rechargeable battery, the light body of the portablelight having opposing sides and a latching recess of a predeterminedshape in a base thereof, and having one or more charging contacts forreceiving electrical power for charging the rechargeable battery, thecharging device comprising: a charger housing having a receptacleconfigured to receive the light body of the portable light and havingone or more charging contacts configured to make electrical connectionto the one or more charging contacts of the portable light when theportable light is disposed in the receptacle of said charger housing; arelease latch moveably mounted to said charger housing and having aprojection, wherein when said release latch is moved to a first positionthe projection of said release latch extends into the receptacle of thecharger housing for engaging the portable light when the portable lightis disposed in the receptacle of said charging device, whereby theportable light is retained in said charging device, and wherein whensaid release latch is moved to a second position the projection of saidrelease latch does not extend into the receptacle of the charger housingand does not engage the portable light when the portable light isdisposed in the receptacle of said charging device, whereby the portablelight is released to be removed from the receptacle of said chargingdevice; a first biasing element configured to bias said release latchtowards the first position, whereby said release latch is biased to moveto retain the portable light in said charging device; a pair of latcharms each moveably mounted on said charger housing in opposing positionsat opposite sides of the receptacle thereof, said latch arms beingmoveable to move closer together to extend into the receptacle and tomove farther apart to be out of the receptacle, wherein each latch armhas a distal end configured to engage the light body of the portablelight when the portable light is disposed in the receptacle of saidcharging device and the latch arms are moved to be closer together andto not engage the light body of the portable light when the portablelight is disposed in the receptacle of said charging device and thelatch arms are moved to be farther apart; and a second biasing elementconfigured to bias said latch arms towards each other, whereby saidlatch arms are biased to move into the receptacle to retain the portablelight in said charging device.
 10. The charging device of claim 9wherein the projection of said release latch has a shape complementaryto the latching recess of predetermined shape on the base of theportable light, wherein when said release latch is moved to the firstposition the projection of said release latch engages the latchingrecess of the portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle of said charging device, and wherein when said release latchis moved to the second position the projection of said release latchdoes not extend into the receptacle of the charger housing and does notengage the latching recess of the portable light when the portable lightis disposed in the receptacle of said charging device.
 11. The chargingdevice of claim 9 wherein said release latch is pivotably mounted tomove into and out of the receptacle of said charging device.
 12. Thecharging device of claim 9 wherein the distal end of each latch armincludes an inwardly directed flange configured to engage the light bodyof the portable light when the portable light is disposed in thereceptacle of said charging device.
 13. The charging device of claim 12wherein the inwardly directed flange of each latch arm is: triangular inshape; or chamfered or beveled; or triangular in shape and chamfered orbeveled, wherein said latch arms are movable outwardly by said lightbeing inserted into the receptacle of said charging device or by saidlight being removed from the receptacle of said charging device, wherebythe portable light is insertable into and is removable from the chargingdevice in a snap-in, snap-out manner.
 14. The charging device of claim12 wherein the respective flanges of each of said latch arms engage arespective shoulder on the side of the light body of the portable light.15. A portable light and charging device therefor, wherein said portablelight comprises: a light body having a handle and a base for receiving asource of electrical power, having a latching recess in the basethereof, and having one or more charging contacts configured to makeelectrical connection to the source of electrical power; a light headpivotably mounted at a base end thereof to a forward end of said lightbody and having a projection at an end distal the base end thereof, saidlight head including a light source energizable for producing light; aswitch supported by said light body and actuatable for energizing saidlight source; and a latch ring pivotably mounted at the forward end ofsaid light body and configured for being pivoted to engage theprojection of said light head when said light head is pivoted to beadjacent to the forward end of said light body, said latch ring beingpivotable to a first position whereat it does not engage the projectionof said light head, whereby said light head is not constrained by saidlatch ring, and being pivotable to a second position whereat it engagesthe projection of said light head when said light head is pivoted to beadjacent the forward end of said light body; and wherein said chargingdevice comprises: a charger housing having a receptacle configured toreceive the light body of said portable light and having one or morecharging contacts configured to make electrical connection to the one ormore charging contacts of said portable light when said portable lightis disposed in the receptacle of said charger housing; a release latchmoveably mounted to said charger housing and having a projection,wherein when said release latch is moved to a first position theprojection of said release latch extends into the receptacle of thecharger housing for engaging said portable light when said portablelight is disposed in the receptacle of said charging device, wherebysaid portable light is retained in said charging device, and whereinwhen said release latch is moved to a second position the projection ofsaid release latch does not extend into the receptacle of the chargerhousing and does not engage said portable light when said portable lightis disposed in the receptacle of said charging device, whereby saidportable light is released to be removed from the receptacle of saidcharging device; a first biasing element configured to bias said releaselatch towards the first position, whereby said release latch is biasedto move to retain said portable light in said charging device; a pair oflatch arms each moveably mounted on said charger housing in opposingpositions at opposite sides of the receptacle thereof, said latch armsbeing moveable to move closer together to extend into the receptacle andto move farther apart to be out of the receptacle, wherein each latcharm has a distal end configured to engage the light body of saidportable light when said portable light is disposed in the receptacle ofsaid charging device and the latch arms are moved to be closer togetherand to not engage the light body of said portable light when saidportable light is disposed in the receptacle of said charging device andthe latch arms are moved to be farther apart; and a second biasingelement configured to bias said latch arms towards each other, wherebysaid latch arms are biased to move into the receptacle to retain saidportable light in said charging device.
 16. The portable light andcharging device of claim 15 wherein said light body has at its forwardend a slot or a recess or a slot and a recess, wherein the slot and/orrecess are configured to receive said latch ring therein when said latchring is pivoted to the first position.
 17. The portable light andcharging device of claim 16 wherein the slot and/or recess areconfigured to have an interference fit with said latch ring thereby toretain the latch ring in the first position.
 18. The portable light andcharging device of claim 15 wherein said latch ring is pivotable to athird position whereat it is stowed in a further recess of said lightbody.
 19. The portable light and charging device of claim 18 wherein thefurther recess is configured to have an interference fit with said latchring thereby to retain the latch ring in the third position.
 20. Theportable light and charging device of claim 15 wherein said latch ringhas an end ring at each of opposing ends thereof, and wherein thepivotable mounting of said latch ring includes a pivot pin that passesthrough the end rings of said latch ring and through an opening in saidlight body.
 21. The portable light and charging device of claim 20wherein said portable light includes a D-ring having an end ring atopposing ends thereof, wherein said pivot pin passes through the endrings of said D-ring, whereby said latch ring and said D-ring areindependently pivotable on said pivot pin.
 22. The portable light andcharging device of claim 15 wherein said light body has a baseconfigured for said light being placed on a surface, wherein said lighthead is pivotably mounted with its base end pivoted at a forward end ofthe base of said light body, and wherein said latch ring is pivotablymounted on the forward end of said light body at a location distal thebase of said light body whereat said latch ring is pivotable to engagethe projection of said light head.
 23. The portable light and chargingdevice of claim 15 wherein the projection of said release latch has ashape complementary to the latching recess of predetermined shape on thebase of said portable light, wherein when said release latch is moved tothe first position the projection of said release latch engages thelatching recess of said portable light when said portable light isdisposed in the receptacle of said charging device, and wherein whensaid release latch is moved to the second position the projection ofsaid release latch does not extend into the receptacle of the chargerhousing and does not engage the latching recess of said portable lightwhen said portable light is disposed in the receptacle of said chargingdevice.
 24. The portable light and charging device of claim 15 whereinsaid release latch is pivotably mounted to move into and out of thereceptacle of said charging device.
 25. The portable light and chargingdevice of claim 15 wherein the distal end of each latch arm includes aninwardly directed flange configured to engage the light body of saidportable light when said portable light is disposed in the receptacle ofsaid charging device.
 26. The portable light and charging device ofclaim 25 wherein the inwardly directed flange of each latch arm is:triangular in shape; or chamfered or beveled; or triangular in shape andchamfered or beveled, wherein said latch arms are movable outwardly bysaid light being inserted into the receptacle of said charging device orby said light being removed from the receptacle of said charging device,whereby the portable light is insertable into and is removable from thecharging device in a snap-in, snap-out manner.
 27. The portable lightand charging device of claim 25 wherein the respective flanges of eachof said latch arms engage a respective shoulder on the side of the lightbody of said portable light.